San Miguel de Allende, Zihuatanejo, and Ixtapa

Thoughts on San Miguel de Allende, Zihuatanejo, and Ixtapa Mexico
Feb 27 2008
Just returned from a trip to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico with 2 quick observations
1. That no one under the age of 40 should ever be allowed to buy spray paint cans. Graffiti ugh. 2. That US Customs in almost all airports is on their own crusade to make all who pass through their portals walk or jog for miles exercise whether they want to or not. Have you ever walked longer to get out of an airport - those people a masochists!
Went to San Miguel de Allende to see if it might be a affordable alternative to Phoenix in the summer time. After all it is in the central highlands of Mexico where the temps in the summer remain relatively moderate and is home to many Gringos (Americans) some as snowbirds and some year around. The figure I kept hearing was about 4000 people. Nice town, picturesque, friendly, and clean. Also low key no high rise hotels or big deal Spas in the city proper. Some deluxe small boutique hotels and many fine B&B’s at reasonable prices. But inexpensive it is not, prices for long term rentals or to buy are about the same as in Arizona, which means expensive for Mexico. Seems the Gringo influence has spread inflation. I also discovered that summer is the rainy season and not all that pleasant. So I guess I would be better off to stay in Arizona go to the mountains and save all the travel expense.
The beach town of Zihuatanejo, (Zay-wha-ten-aho) is delightful and very similar to what Puerto Vallarta was 40 years ago, a former fishing village become tourist town but no High Rise Chain Hotels, no Cruise Ship pier (a few ships do anchor in the harbor and launch people in) nice little town to browse, chat, shop and nice restaurants. The beaches are many, white sand and not overly crowded.
Ixtapa, 4 kilometers to the north and entirely separate is another story, like Cancun the Mexican Government developed a previously deserted area of land and beach, invited the big hotels of the world to come and built an Airport which serves both cities. If you must see it get a taxi and spend 45 minutes looking around and immediately go back to Zihuatanejo.